Philosophy of Minangkabau Weaving Motifs (Indonesian Style)

Like batik, Weaving of West Sumatra or songket with a wealth of motives it also has its own meaning and value of togetherness. "Skills for the Indonesian weaving is a legacy that needs to be defended and promoted, as this is the power of culture, creativity, and art in social life," said Samuel Wattimena designer, during "performances Weaving Unggan Sijunjung District of West Sumatra" fashion show in Koi Cafe & Gallery, Kemang, Jakarta, Thursday (8/12/2011) ago.

In development is a process of acculturation in Minangkabau society, especially since the influx of Islamic influence to the city. This affects the weaving motifs that adapt natural motifs and ornaments from the Middle East as Arab, Egyptian, and Syriac. Since ancient, indigenous element is synonymous with nature because nature is considered as a source of principal and essential to the human race that have influenced motifs artisan process in this songket cloth.

This fact turned out to form a philosophy in various motifs woven fabric of West Sumatra. Examples are as follows:

1. Pucuk Rabuang. These motifs have meaning that a person's life should be useful over time. This motif is told that life should be modeled after the philosophy of bamboo, which is always useful since young bamboo (bamboo shoots) to eat, and when old (bamboo) as the floor of the house or building materials. Motif is also likened the bamboo shoots that the plant is useful throughout its life and all parts have many uses.
2. Itiak pulang patang. These motifs have meaning that life in society must in a unity, as in line and comply with regulations. This motif would like to invite people to live together and represent harmony of Minangkabau people who live in the order of a solid mutual cooperation.
3. Kaluak paku. These motifs have meaning that we as humans should be introspective since childhood, and need to learn from an early age from family. Education in the family becomes the main provision for the running of life in society. As adults we have to hang out into the community, so that the provision of family life can make them more powerful and not easily affected it negatively. Uniquely, this motif also has another meaning, namely a leader must be able to set an example for the community around it.
4. Sajamba makan. This motif is used as a symbol of togetherness in the enjoyment of success.
5. Tirai. Known as a decoration of curtain fabric that is placed on walls, doors, and others, whose function is to add beauty and a lively atmosphere. These motifs describe the beauty, the symbol of luxury in the Minangkabau ceremonies.
6. Saluak laka. This motif has a meaningful symbol of kinship. This will give people meaning in life, that power will interwoven unity of mutually bound together so that it will manifest strength in facing various problems.
7. Unggan seribu bukit. This is a new motive initiated by Samuel Wattimena who works with artisans weaving in Unggan, and Dekranasda West Sumatra. Unggan craft of weaving is a mix of clever weaving techniques with Silungkang Sikek. This motif has a sense of cohesion in cooperation, persistence in trying, and wants to advance one's nature.

(From various sources)